sport
Adelaide Clubs Draw Families Through All Abilities Youth Sports Programs
Programs such as All Abilities Pickleball and Saturday social soccer sessions in the South Parklands are drawing families together in the Adelaide CBD.
How we reported this
All Abilities Pickleball runs a free weekly program of skill development and social doubles play for youth and participants of all abilities directly in the Adelaide CBD. The sessions operate alongside relaxed social soccer matches open to all ages every Saturday afternoon in the South Parklands near the Adelaide CBD.
These activities sit within a broader network supported by the City of Adelaide through clubs such as Adelaide City Football Club Juniors and Adelaide Tritons Water Polo Club, with access to facilities near the CBD including Karen Rolton Oval and Pridham Hall. The City of Adelaide maintains over 207 hectares of sporting open space in its Park Lands, offering free netball, basketball and tennis courts for booking and use by youth and families.
Funding targets engagement for teens
The South Australian government awarded $5.6 million to 31 grassroots sports projects in 2024-25, with a significant portion directed to youth engagement and inclusive programs for neurodivergent children. The $2.4 million Active State program specifically targets disengaged teens and kids aged 12-15, an age group with declining activity rates during high school transition.
Urban Rec is launching in Adelaide to offer individual sign-ups for various social sports in the CBD and Parklands area, including the Saturday soccer matches near Hutt Street. Jungle Sports operates a multi-sport program for active kids aged 18 months to 12 years across Adelaide, allowing families to try multiple sports in one program with come-and-try first lessons available.
Events extend reach into 2026
The Adelaide International Kids’ Day in 2026 features live tennis, Hot Shots Tennis and family activities at Pinky Flat, Adelaide, promoting youth participation in sports. Adelaide Indoor Sports Centre, located 10 minutes from the CBD at Kidman Park, offers youth programs in soccer, futsal, netball and cricket.
Families can check the City of Adelaide website at https://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/community/sports-fitness/clubs-associations/ for current club listings and facility bookings, or visit https://kidsinadelaide.com.au/kids-sports-adelaide/ for details on weekly sessions and sign-up options for urban rec leagues.